Uggla looks for jump start

MIAMI GARDENS — Second baseman Dan Uggla talked in spring training about being more patient and letting the game come to him. So far, he admits that he hasn't done it.

After going 1 for 5 Tuesday, Uggla is hitting .192 with two homers and six RBI. Last year, he also had a slow start, hitting .219 with five homers and 17 RBI in April.

"It is a matter of controlling your adrenaline, or your adrenaline controlling you," Uggla said. "It is easier to slow the game down in spring training because nothing counts. When you shift gears to the start the season, it is harder."

Manager Fredi Gonzalez isn't worried about Uggla, and he has no immediate plans of moving him out of the No. 2 spot in the lineup.

"He has hit some balls on the screws but right at people," Gonzalez said. "It isn't like he isn't making contact."

Uggla is confident the hits will come.

"If you get into a little rut, you start to press," Uggla said, "and it causes you to do anything but be patient. You are doing what you know you shouldn't do. I'm still determined to slow it down. If I get it done, I believe my numbers for the season will improve."

Porter Honors Robinson

Third base coach Bo Porter wore No. 42 for Tuesday's game in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. He took the Marlins' lineup to the umpires before the game.

"My Little League coach was a historian of the game," said Porter, who grew up in Newark, N.J. "He used to take me to Yankee [Stadium] and Shea Stadium. When I was older, I wanted to research it and learn about Jackie Robinson."

In 2001, Porter became involved with the Breaking Barriers program when he met Sharon Robinson, Robinson's daughter, while he was playing in Texas.

"I'm amazed at what the man had to go through just to play the game. The game was probably a relief for him in some ways. It is great Major League Baseball recognizes him. He is a real American hero, and I'm honored to wear his number."

Mark Kotsay, a former Marlin, wore No. 42 for the Braves.

Andino in Outfield?

During extra batting practice, Robert Andino took fly balls in center field. The Marlins could use the utility infielder there in an emergency.

"He played the outfield in high school," Porter said. "He has an outfielder glove. We want him to get used to the ball coming off the bat. It improves his versatility and value."

Garcia Has Surgery

Right-hander Harvey Garcia had rotator cuff surgery in New York on Tuesday. Mets physician David Altcheck performed the surgery. Garcia isn't expected to throw for 3-4 months. ...

Public address announcer Dick Sanford was back on the job following a heart attack April 1. Sanford had two stents inserted to open a blocked artery.